How to Cut Butternut Squash and Pumpkins Without Hurting Yourself

Sawing into a giant, rock-hard winter squash or pumpkin is easily one of the most daunting cooking tasks you'll ever face. One false move, and you'll be headed to the emergency room instead of placidly cooking dinner.

For your safety, you've gotta learn how to cut a butternut squash, pumpkin, or any other winter squash the right way. Instead of risking a finger each time you get a hankering for a stuffed acorn squash or a bowl of creamy pumpkin pasta, take note of these tricks for squash-cutting (and pumpkin-cutting!) without the terror.

1. Break it down

If you're working with a funny-shaped squash like butternut, don't start by hacking the whole thing in half, or attempting to peel the whole thing, curves and all. Instead, cut off the slender top half, so you're left with a cylinder-shaped half and a round half, then deal with peeling/chopping each part separately.

2. Stabilize it

For all winter squash and pumpkins, resist the urge to hold it steady with your hand while you cut it up. Cut off the stem ends for stability, then turn the vegetable so it's cut-side down—you'll be much less likely to lose control of the squash when it isn't wobbling on your cutting board.

3. Bake or microwave it

For all large, difficult-to-cut squash and pumpkins (or a recipe where you're keeping the squash mostly whole, like this one), giving the whole thing a quick zap in the microwave or the oven is an insanely easy trick for softening the skin just enough to make cutting easier.

To make it work, cut off the ends of the squash or pumpkin (usually one of the easier parts of the job), prick it all over with a fork or a knife, then microwave the squash (we used a medium butternut) until just barely softened, about 5 minutes. You can also bake it in a 375F oven (straight on the rack is fine) for 15 minutes. Larger squash and pumpkins might take a bit longer. Allow the squash or pumpkin to cool, then peel and cut as you would normally—you'll notice how much easier it is when the vegetable is just lightly softened by heat.

Nice, you kept all your fingers intact! Now reward yourself for your safe tactics by making one of these cozy butternut squash recipes.

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Butternut Squash Sandwich with Cheddar Cheese and Pickled Red Onion

Inspired by a sandwich from Brooklyn's Court Street Grocers, this roasted squash number is like autumn squished between bread. The combo of hearty, thyme-roasted butternut squash, rich white cheddar cheese, tangy pickled red onions, and zesty Djionnaise creates a filling vegetarian sandwich, great for lunch or dinner.